History of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway
Product Type: Book
Product Price: $29.95
Manufacturer: University of Nebraska Press
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Description
There were many growing pains. Rustlers, thieves, and desperadoes were as thick as the cattle in Kansas when the first rails were laid. When a conductor, toting a pistol, asked a grizzled prospector where he was heading, the old man replied, "Hell." "That's 65¢ and get off at Dodge," the weary conductor declared.
Once built with rails from Wales laid on ties of oak and walnut, the railroad survived the economic and climatic hardships of the late nineteenth century, and eventually extended from Chicago to San Francisco, with over 12,000 miles of track and substantial holdings in oil fields, timber land, uranium mines, pipe lines, and real estate.
Reviews
Rating: 3 / 5
Date: 2000-04-05
Summary: "A Lasting History"
Bryant, a historian of American business and University Dean, originally wrote this book in 1974 and it has been reprinted because of its timelessness. The book is a history text with limited illustrations. In very readable fashion, Bryant tells the story of the Santa Fe from Colonel Holliday's initial vision until 1971. No geographic region is singled out for special focus. This book has been the standard text on the history of the Santa Fe since its publication.